St Innocent 2005 Pinot noirs
Shea, Temperance, Justice, White Rose
from Avalon Wine

St. Innocent Pinots exemplify excellent Pinot from Oregon.  That’s why winemaker Mark Vlossak was named a Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Hero.
 (read Parker's comments below). Wine Advocate says, “Vlossak's dedication to quality and his commitment to delivering value to his customers is exemplary.”

It’s that brilliant combo—excellent wines at fair prices—that makes him one of Avalon’s favorite producers.  In mid-May, I start drooling over the pending release of the White Rose and Shea…and I’m starting to do the same with the Justice and Temperance Hill single vineyard wines. 

St Innocent
Shea Vineyard Pinot noir 05
$35.05/$38.95

Make no mistake, this is a big wine but with grace.  Incense, Asian spices, classic Shea violets, and dark fruit waft from the glass.  Loads of dark, creamy fruit—blackberry, plum, black cherry—are complemented by toast and lively acidity.  It’s tasty now, but if you can wait another year or two you’ll be rewarded.  If you like Shea wines (and we do), this is a must-have.  - Marcus

Mark says: "This Shea is a dark ruby color. Its nose is layered with dark fruits, orange peel, and dark flowers with spices underneath. The initial flavors rich with red and black raspberries, dried flowers and spice. With air, the '05 Shea reveals substantial layers, depth and density. Texturally, ripe tannins coat your tongue with hints of oak and fresh acidity that carries the fruit layers into the finish. I expect it to develop for over more than a decade." - Mark Vlossak, winemaker

St Innocent
Temperance Hill Vineyard
Pinot noir 05 $25.16/$27.95

This is the biggest and most viscous St. Innocent Temperance Hill to date.  Gobs of fresh raspberries and cherries mix with hints of sage.  The flavors meld to cherry/berry pie, with that ideal combination of sweet and tart.  Serve it with grilled pork tenderloin with an herb rub.  An outstanding value that will cellar for up to 5 years. - Marcus

Mark Vlossak says: "The 2005 Temperance Hill is a deep ruby red. It has a dense and rich aroma of black cherries and dried, chocolate covered cherries with hints of lilac and other purple flowers. With air, the aromas liven and become sweet. Red and black fruits dominated the palate with spice and earth notes."

St Innocent
Justice Vineyard Pinot noir 05
$35.05/$38.95

We fawned over the new Justice.  One taste and it’s easy to see why: the silky sweet fruit just plants itself on the middle of your palate.  Blackberry balanced with high-toned red fruit and a ribbon of smoke and clove.  The finish sails…and you’re still thinking of those flavors on your tongue.  Justice Vineyard is the newest Estate vineyard of Bethel Heights. - Marcus

Mark Vlossak says: "It is unusual and very attractive for Pinot noir to have primary spice aromas. The 2005 Pinot noir, Justice Vineyard has clove and cinnamon aromas along with lush red fruits. The clove notes carry into the mouth along with raspberry and black raspberry fruits with concentrated fruit notes carrying into its finish. One of the most unique facets of Justice Pinot noirs is the way its flavors coat your mouth with an almost creamy texture that reaches into your cheeks. All of this is enhanced by a lovely backbone of fresh acidity. "

St Innocent
White Rose Vineyard 05
$40.46/$44.95
Extremely limited

Wow.  Unmistakably White Rose, with it’s candied floral nose,  Crushed raspberries and huckleberries marry with subtle mineral notes.  Perfectly integrated oak—one of Vlossak’s strengths—and soft tannins make this an absolute beauty.  With better acidity than the previous two vintages, this should cellar well for years.  The only downside: the tiny amount that’s available.  Limit 6 bottles per order. - Marcus

Mark Vlossak says: "St. Innocent White Rose Pinot noir has acquired a well deserved reputation as our most hedonistic wine. It is the only wine that I do not focus on the details of aroma or flavor. Instead, I enjoy the pleasure, it is drop dead gorgeous. Aromas of ripe red fruits and hints of sweet smoky oak, it fills your mouth with dark fruits and red flowers. Still a bit awkward from bottling, it should integrate by late summer (2007)."

St Innocent 2005 Vintage Single Vyd Pinot Case $407

3 Shea 05
3 Temperance Hill 05
3 Justice 05
3 White Rose 05

$407 for the case, save $45.24 from $452.40 retail

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